Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Benson, 80 of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital.  He was born on January 29, 1943 in Providence, RI, the son of Delbert and Alicia (Clark) Benson. He married Linda E. Sexton Pike on May 15, 1993 and she survives.

Also surviving Jeff are two daughters, Jennifer (Matthew) O’Brien of Rochester and Stacie (Ryan) Marcum of Cantrall; one son, Ryan Pike of Springfield; five grandchildren, Eilish, Andrew, Seamus, Alex and Emily; one brother, Paul (Kathy) Benson of Florida; one sister-in-law, Judy Benson of Rhode Island; and a few nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Wayne Benson.

Jeff graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s in 1965; received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Maryland; then received his Master’s in Forensics from the University of Pittsburgh. Jeff moved to Rochester in 1988 and worked at the IL State Police as a forensics scientist with over 30 years of service, retiring in 2012.

He was a member of Rochester United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed an active lifestyle, especially biking and canoeing.  He also enjoyed 1950’s classic cars, collecting a few over the years. One of Jeff’s greatest talents was his skill with topiaries; he was able to create works of art from camels to sea serpents.

Visitation: 9 – 11 am, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 11 am, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Rev. Braden Parks officiating. Burial will take place at 12:30 pm, Monday, April 10, 2023 at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League.

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©2023 All Content Obituary Systems

Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Benson, 80 of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital.  He was born on January 29, 1943 in Providence, RI, the son of Delbert and Alicia (Clark) Benson. He married Linda E. Sexton Pike on May 15, 1993 and she survives.

Also surviving Jeff are two daughters, Jennifer (Matthew) O’Brien of Rochester and Stacie (Ryan) Marcum of Cantrall; one son, Ryan Pike of Springfield; five grandchildren, Eilish, Andrew, Seamus, Alex and Emily; one brother, Paul (Kathy) Benson of Florida; one sister-in-law, Judy Benson of Rhode Island; and a few nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Wayne Benson.

Jeff graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s in 1965; received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Maryland; then received his Master’s in Forensics from the University of Pittsburgh. Jeff moved to Rochester in 1988 and worked at the IL State Police as a forensics scientist with over 30 years of service, retiring in 2012.

He was a member of Rochester United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed an active lifestyle, especially biking and canoeing.  He also enjoyed 1950’s classic cars, collecting a few over the years. One of Jeff’s greatest talents was his skill with topiaries; he was able to create works of art from camels to sea serpents.

Visitation: 9 – 11 am, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 11 am, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Rev. Braden Parks officiating. Burial will take place at 12:30 pm, Monday, April 10, 2023 at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League.

Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com

©2023 All Content Obituary Systems